MODERN RHYMES. 



MODERN RHYMES 



BY 



WILLIAM ENTRIKEN BAILY. 



" Some said, ' Will, print it ;' others said, ' Not so.' 
Some said, ' It might be good ;' others said, ' No.' " 



\ >. 1879. .Q^ 



PHILADELPHIA: 

PRINTED BY J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO. 

1879. 



7^ 






Copyright, 1879, by WILLIAM Entriken Baily. 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

The Triumph of Hope 7 

Hope 16 

The River 18 

The Wonderful Vale 22 

The Horsemen 33 

The Army of Lh^e 35 

The Lament 37 

The Promised Land 43 

The Two Thoughts 46 

A Day-Dream 49 

The Rival Singers 53 

The Dream-Garden 55 

The Three Poets 59 

An Allegorical Dream 62 

The Flute 65 

DoRUS 67 

A Vagary 70 

Maud 73 

The Query 75 

The Travelling Fox 77 

5 



MODERN RHYMES. 



THE TRIUMPH OF HOPE. 



There dwelt in Arcady in olden days 
A swain bred up in quaint, primeval ways, 
Whose contentment forbade a wish to roam 
Away from pleasures of pastoral home. 
The changing seasons found his prudent hand 
Ready to fertilize or reap the land; 
To prune young trees, or aid each sprouting form 
Withstand the beating of the sudden storm; 
To gather ripened fruit of golden hue. 
Which glanced between green leaves with pearly 

dew ; 

7 



8 MODERN RHYMES. 

To guide numerous flocks upon the plain, 
Where verdure urged their growth to eke his gain. 
The neighb'ring husbandmen envied his state, 
And strove his industry to imitate. 

One eve he calmly walked a fragrant vale 
To muse and Summer breezes to inhale, 
Beneath great oaks (whose branches gnarled 

above 
Their shelter served for the slumberous dove). 
As multitudes of stars, each with chaste ray, 
In parts enlightened his wandering way; — 
When lo ! there came a faun notes to breathe 

through 
A pipe unique with assiduity true. 
First mildest melody was made to flow, 
Fascinated with Orphean pow'r slow; 
Then such was heard to lull a god in pain. 
Bid Sorrow dull to Lethe move amain. 
Soon the faun ceased, issued from shadows drear, 
Advanced towards the swain observant near, 
Proclaimed a mission from Oberon great. 
Who ruled the fairy realm in regal state ; 



THE TRIUMPH OF HOPE. g 

And who, aware of debts to diligence blest, 
The pipe upon the swain's acceptance prest. 
The faun the movements then taught of strange 

sleight; 
How to adroitly cause throbs of delight ; 
How to force, when wished, strains or loud or 

low. 
Those more difficult which sweepingly flow. 
This done, the gift received, with silent pace 
He sought the mysterious haunt of his race. 

Oft thereafter the swain within a bow'r 
Was wont to recline and breathe tunes an hour, 
As in meridian splendor Sol was seen 
To beautify the earth. On the grass green 
Soon Phebe (idol of his ken) would stray, 
A crook in hand, to hear his winsome play, 
As little lambkins would about her rally. 
Ceasing to woo or in the shadows dally. 
From parts adjacent shepherds thronged in view, 
Watched in silence new wonderments ensue. 
Such facile pow'r deigned not to grace his skill 
When each essayed the borrowed tube to thrill ; 



lO MODERN RHYMES. 

Again, with fervid tongues, the swain begged they 
Apply his vigor transport to convey; 
He, complying, bid clefs, moods, quavers greet, 
Now wild, now strange, and now so deftly 

sweet 
That long the music lingered in the ear 
As though poured down from some delicious 
sphere. 

A proclamation made the swain one day 
That either he or she as well could play 
Upon the curious pipe should, for that tact. 
Possess it e'ermore mankind to attract; 
The judges to be two youths of high birth, 
Famous in Arcadia's realm for truthful worth. 
His confidence and pride had grown so great 
He deemed his merits none could imitate. 

To distant countries spread of this the news 
As people gathered to strive or refuse. 
In vain some impelled with pure vital air. 
As the judges bid their trifling forbear; 
Others, inexpert, caused harshness to prevail. 
When gibes from auditors them to assail 



THE TRIUMPH OF HOPE. j i 

Arose; but none with spontaneous art 
Awoke the finer fcehngs of the heart. 

In time, from a dominion unknown, came 
Three maidens, — Mirth innocent; Pity tame. 
With downcast eyes ; Hope, fairest of tlie three, 
Who moved hke one conscious of majesty. 

Their place of emulation was a mead 
Where the grass-blade rose from the tender seed; 
Where a small brook on sands appeared to stray. 
Whose crystal murmurs never flowed away; 
Where seductive groves, upon every hand, 
Outstretched long limbs cool shadows to expand 
O'er tiny solitudes. Between two trees, 
On a knoll, sat the swain like king at ease, 
Ready to employ a various store of tunes 
That all competitors might know his boons; 
The two gallant judges on either side, 
Dressed in new garments, their especial pride ; 
Of high and low degree, encircling stood 
People, waiting events in quietude. 

After the swain had blown, to introduce 
The rivalry, many graces abstruse. 



12 MODERN RHYMES. 

The fair applicants were bidden draw nigh, 
Each in her turn, harmonious forte to try. 
First Mirth the low knoll faced. Her locks 

displayed. 
When zephyrs mild with stealthy motions strayed, 
The twinkling charms; and on her cheeks were 

spread 
Blushes of health which swelled, then changed, 

then fled ; 
Adorned the dress upon her figure neat 
Gayest ribbons ; and on her little feet 
There were the rarest slippers ever borne, 
Save those of yore by Cinderella worn. 
She, with strange actions like a fickle fish. 
Applied to pipe her lips fain to ravish, 
Inspired excitement, stored the air with sound, 
New joy appeared in faces ranged around. 

Pallid Pity came forward next to vie, 
A melancholy aspect in her eye ; 
Remindful, by a timid, abstract mien. 
Of a haunting ghost in moonlight's empire 

keen. 



THE TRIUMPH OF HOPE, 1 3 

A veil was on her head, a band around 

Her virgin waist; a long skirt trailed the ground. 

Whilst endeavoring attention to beguile 

Commingling whispers were suppressed awhile. 

She calmly inspired an emotive train, 

So prone to sympathize with human pain; 

Led by feeits of harmony dolesome, slow, 

To contemplate on misery cold and low. 

Then Hope eagerly advanced with meek glad- 
ness, 
Uninfluenced stood by preceding sadness: 
Embraced a cincture rich her fragile waist. 
Adorned with jewels, clear as crystal chaste; 
A superb garment robed a figure fine; 
Bedecked a golden chain a neck divine; 
Upon her head there was a chaplet rare, 
While white petals perfumed loose, wavy hair. 
First she, with simple self-abandonment, 
A measure, leaving its soul-soothing pent, 
The rosy valley of her lips breathed through 
Which gently diffused an enchantment new. 



14 



MODERN RHYMES. 



Anon she altered tones, commanded motion 
Like easy winds that shift the waves of ocean. 
They suggested a warrior to the view, 
Who wore a helmet plumed, a keen sword drew, 
Upheld a blazing shield, his soul aglow 
To meet, on quivering battle plain, the foe. 
Her subtle art rolled forth with varied force, 
Gathering strength like river in its course; 
Then louder, louder swelled to speak of fate, 
And then of triumph, then of glory great. 
As glad elation thrilled with mantling heat 
And the heart moved quick in its rosy seat. 
When she had forborne acclamations loud 
Awoke far echoes; next the motley crowd. 
Forestalling the judges, on her for aye 
Bestowed the prize, with which in many a day 
Forthcoming she might from Woe's forlorn train 
Reclaim mortals. To crown her new-born reign, 
They dowered her with wreaths of roses made 
(Cultured by wood-nymphs in the mystic shade). 
Whose virtuous perfumes diffused a power 
To animate like a rainbow after a shower. 



THE TRIUMPH OF HOPE. 



5 



The swain, alack ! with a reluctant will, 
His pipe resigned ; and oft, at noontide still 
Thereafter, longed for it ; but he no more 
The tuneful fav'rite grasped 'neath bowery store 
Himself to solace or shepherds to please, 
Or lead sweet Phebe from a languid ease. 



l6 MODERN RHYMES. 



HOPE. 

The evening hour has come; there's silence 

on the lea; 
A lonely shadow lurks beneath yon aged tree, 
And timely sadness seems pervading in the air 
To slowly paint it with the colors of despair. 
Somehow anxious thoughts infest the dolorous 

mind; 
They brood on things agone, to better themes 

are blind ; 
The moon high in glory escapes their dismal view, 
They see cavern horrors or dripping dungeon dew. 
A wandering lamb bleats upon a hillock nigh. 
Crickets hidden attempt to sing, low breezes sigh; 
But they beget, not check, weird Melancholy's 

dream, 
Which sternly holds — avaunt ye dreadful things 

that teem ! 



HOPE, 



17 



Go to a rocky subterranean cell and dwell, 
Where night's e'erlasting hours like Pluto's shades 

repel ! 
Go rid me of yourselves! ye agonize my breast! 
As long as ye delay as long am I from rest. 
Turns the soul most weary; it yearns with pas- 
sion strong 
For purer sphere than this, and calls this world 

a wrong, — 
But lo ! there comes a voice, it bids me wait 

awhile ; 
'Tis nimble-witted Hope who lures us all with 

guile. 
I see her beauteous form, her lithe and gentle 

motion, 
Her lovely eyes so keen, as sparkling as the 

ocean. 
Go sadness ! come gladness ! I know not what 

to do, — 
The very stars above seem different to my view ! 



MODERN RHYMES. 



THE RIVER. 



Riding 
In a boat which is gallant and free, 
Down a river transparent to see, 
Is the Monarch of Bliss, who is loud with his 
mirth ; 
Guiding 
With vim in his mien as a pilot of earth 

From Woeland to Wonderland away. 

Curling 
Are currents of the stream to the right 
And the left when islands are in sight ; 
Then they recklessly leap from large stones to 
the roar 
Whirling, 
The dashes of bubbles and dew-balls before. 
From Woeland to Wonderland away. 



THE RIVER, ig 



Veering 
With caution on tumults of the tide 
Is the craft by hid dangers to ghde, — 
By breakers and bowlders and wrecks which are 
rough,— 
Steering, 
As it passes to deeper expanses ungruff, 

From Woeland to Wonderland away. 



Flushing 
Are rare gems in the bed of the stream 
Amid glitter of tints that there teem ; 
And waters are quivering with fishes of gold, 

Rushing 
Like an arrow of speed from an archer of old 
From Woeland to Wonderland away. 



Skimming 
Are green leaves with the odor of bowers, 
And bits of blossoms and of flowers 



20 MODERN RHYMES. 

In petal-like glory dcliciously red ; 

Swimming 
(Perforccd by movements to a mystery dread,) 
From Woeland to Wonderland away. 



Gleaming 
Arc thin rises of mists and their shreds, 
That are robed in rich sunny-dyed threads 
To enter the fanes of the Fades of the air, 

Teeming 
In invisible realms under spiritual care 

From Woeland to Wonderland away. 



Springing 
Is a bird to the welkin's vast sphere 
To utter a keen carol to cheer, 
As onward and onward the waters are borne. 

Singing 
Near the banks of a meadow where roses adorn, 
From Woeland to Wonderland away. 



THE RIVER. 21 

Riding 
In a boat which is gallant and free, 
Down a river transparent to see, 
Is the Monarch of Bliss, who is loud with his 
mirth ; 
Guiding 
With vim in his mien as a pilot of earth 
From Woeland to Wonderland away. 



22 MODERN RHYMES, 



THE WONDERFUL VALE. 



SUGGESTED BY OVID's METAMORPHOSES. 



Down in a green vale of ancient days when the 
story 
Strange of the gods, miracles was often retold ; 
When the then mild month of June, endowed 
with her glory, 
Scatter'd on high hills the dewy glances of 
gold; 
When murmured a river that ran 
(Oft reflecting the visage of Pan) ; 

•T. 

When the unseen birds in shades their music 
unrolled ; — 
Were the happenings odd to narrate 
Briskly in rhymed lines this Winter waning and 
late. 



THH WONDERFUL VALE. 23 



Trees arc numerous, witli trembling leaves on 
the sprays, 
Near to the stream's bank like a grove devoted 
to mirth ; 
Narrow arc way-paths to depths remote from 
the rays 
Shed from the blue sky to sparkle motes of 
the earth ; 
And profuse arc flowers of smell 
That lowly and soberly dwell 
(Porters of dew-pearls to boon to Noon at her 
birth) ; 
And the butterfly's sensitive glow 
Flutters and journeys unsteady-like to and fro. 



Wide in the East smooth is the landscape to a 

mountain, 
Whereon are shepherds aloft with pipes that 

are fain 
Calmly to make soothing tones like purls of a 

fountain 



24 



MODERN RHYMES. 



Spreading at night-time on sable quiet their 
strain ; 
And the bleats are there heard of the sheep ; 
And the goats are oft shifting to leap 
Down from the great rocks, where dangers rug- 
gedly reign, 
To where breezes of Summer serene 
Move and incline low the grasses tinted with green. 

Come from the deep grove the noisy hums of 
the tongue ; 
Yet are accents far; not audible to the ear 
Words in distance said. Soon maidens merry 
and young 
With their persiflage and laughters loud will 
appear 
On this side of the bushes and shades : 
Now for a view of the beautiful maids ! 
Cracking on hard ground beneath are twigs that 
are scar 
As the music of fun is elate, — 
Blue is the hue — see ! the nearest limbs agitate. 



THE WONDERFUL VALE, 25 

Gathers a gay throng of maids in fulness of sight; 
Sparkle the kind glances that preside in their 
eyes ; 
Flutter odored locks which bear the roses so 
bright 
Weaved into garlands to crown ; on cheeks 
are the dyes 
Enamelled by Nature's own hand, 
That heighten when blushes expand ; 
Seen are the white teeth between the lips ; and 
the vies 
Of the vein strive for purple that's pale. 
Seem they like fish guileless which in oceans 
prevail. 

Gracefully move they about with steps that are 
agile. 
Viewed are the pattering sandals upon the feet 
Held by the laced thongs to ankles bare. Softly 
fragile, 
Twirling the timbrels, their fingers ; neat and 
as fleet 



26 MODERN RHYMES. 

Are their actions as motions of slcii^ht 

In illusions of magic to sight. 
Blue is the cincture embracing loosely to meet 

At the rear in a bow and to go 
Freely at will down the kirtle skirt in a flow. 



Circle they soon, hand-in-hand, an oak that is 
near; 
Sober then becomes their mien, more grave 
what is saith ; 
Rise on the warm breezes tunes to float to the 
sphere ; 
Louder the brief chorus ; they next cease for 
fresh breath ; 
Then sweeter and stronger they sing 
With a swiftness no echoes can ring, 
Hid in the rude grots afar, with mockery's 
wealth ; 
Then revolve they about the large tree 
Fleetly like a rim whirled around a cork on a 
sea. 



THE WONDERFUL VALE. 27 

Lonely in bow'r complaining 'ncath shades that 
are dreary 
Ah, is their Queen fair ! recounts their sorrow 
in song ; 
Gone is her Love far to foreign realms, and are 
weary 
Thoughts in her vexed heart from morn till 
shadows do throng. 
They plead he may soon to a rest 
Return with a victorious crest. 
Never to roam more from native land to prolong 

The encounters and dangers of war, 
Chieftain of brave hosts who shield the arrows 
that pour. 

Charmed are the shepherds with shreds of sound 
that are floating 
Far from the fair choir within the wonderful 
dell ; 
Ceasing to thrill pipes they turn to hear the de- 
noting 
Voices that render the solemn musical spell; 



28 MODERN RHYMES, 

And they eagerly rise to their feet 
As though new happiness to greet. 

Startled to silence, the sheep untinkle a bell, 
And with goats that are fearlessly high, 

Gaze on the valley, the idol shrine of the eye. 



Filled with a strange sense the swains remove to 
the right; 
Seek they the path formed up side of mount 
from the plain 
Down to the low grove to come. With flocks 
from the height 
Stretch they in one long array, most zealous 
to gain 
The source of pleasure for the ear. 
Their wonder to appease anear. 
Winding by great crags, which threat to tumble, 
the train 
Descends to the bed of the vale ; 
Causing by movements thousands of grasses to 
quail. 



THE WONDERFUL VALE. 



29 



'Tween is the wide stream, but never daunted, 
all glide 
Into it swimmingly swift (an action for sheep 
Wontless) to reach banks before with muscular 
pride, 
Which, with fatigue, soon are safely gained, as 
the sweep 
Of the waters below is made roll 
Into depths that are filled like a bowl; 
Then each, with form dripping, is most cautious 
to creep 
Nearer and nearer to the grove: 
Muffled are murmurs that hummed like beeves 
in a drove. 

Quietly all stand anon, with simple delight, 

Gazingly before the maids surrounding the tree, 

Swelling their mild tones to plead a deity of might 

Grim in a huge trunk, and who unseemeth to be 

In the likeness of material wood, 

With a bark about him for a hood 

Gnarled and remossed by the touches of a century. 



30 MODERN RHYMES. 

Lo ! a struggle of branches is heard ; 
Sounds, too, a hoarse voice that yearns to utter 
some word. 

Metamorphoses the tree to shape of a sage, 
Rough and giant-Hke, whose lofty breath in the 
air 
Spreads from his mouth mists to curl in flight ; 
and his age 
Seemeth to be old, for white are rolls of his 
hair 
(That were ere but the leaves on the top 
Of the oak); and his garments low drop 
Foldingly round loins. A wand, slender and bare 

(On which the acorns were arrayed), 
Calmly he shakes, whilst the distance hears in the 
shade : 

" Maids of the vast earth, I come, but not to 
grant grace ; 
Come I to change. Time, the god of life, hath 
a mould 



THE WONDERFUL VALE. 



31 



Given me mystic to man, by which, and apace, 
Commuted are things to features new to be- 
hold." 
As quivers the ground of the vale 
He moves, and a sound of a wail 
Heard is upborne. Wafts his hand on high to 
unfold 
A power unseen to unroll 
Maidens and swains, flocks in forms inert for 
the soul. 



Then the fair Queen comes anon, still pensive 
her plight, 
Slowly the soft maids to seek who strayed 
from her bower. 
Alas ! with swains they've gone for ever from 
the sight. 
Changed to the trees decked with leaf and 
blossom and flower. 
She returns to her biding-place lone 
In silence to there utter low moan; 



32 



MODERN RHYMES. 



But to her ne'ermore was known their fate from 
the Power 
That reigned in the valley supreme, 
Like a deity great of whom a fabler may dream. 



THE HORSEMEN. 33 



THE HORSEMEN. 



Hark! up the mountain from East at the morn, 
As the hemlocks are forbidding clear view, 

Tones of the bugle from blowers are borne ; 
Noises and neighs are commingled there, too. 



See ! in the Valley of Time are now riding 
Horsemen as though they were eager to gain 

Brightest of goals where a Summer's presiding 
O'er an eternal devoid of heart pain. 



As they issue from domains of the past, 
Various and brilliant, with easy delight 

Beheld are castles alluring and vast. 
Such as the fancies reveal to the sight. 
3 



34 



MODERN RHYMES. 



There, in the van, with a banner of beauty, 
Goeth the chieftain to lead the long way; 

"Follow!" he cries, "ye great spirits with duty; 
Glory is ours ere the end of the day." 

Then for a moment from bugles abound 

Musical thrills ; and the neck of each steed 

Quivers with ardor as lightly on ground 

Pressed are his footsteps in triumph of speed. 

Stop they not once to refresh from the heat; 

Stop they not once to drink waters so blest ; 
Guided are horses, that seem to compete. 

On to the passes so rough in the West. 

Fainter and fainter are clatters so hurried 

Heard from the distance, — they wane more and 
more, — 

Gone altogether, — in silence deep buried. 
Vast is the mystery for horsemen before! 



THE ARMY OF LIFE. 35 



THE ARMY OF LIFE. 



Life is a march to pinnacle afar, 
Robed in a glare like a beautiful star ; 
Viewed is it often, by fancy's strong sight, 
Gay in the day and as gay in the night. 
Great is the Army of Life on the plain, 
Formed to advance to its wonderful reign, 
Loud, to inspire, as bold music is blown ; 
Loud as stern chieftains their orders make known. 
Onward they move with strange banners on high, 
Anxious, like mortals belated, to vie, 
Bright as Phoebus is far pouring the ray 
Shadows to cast of their forms on the way. 
Happy are many with hopes in their breasts. 
Proudly they step and erect are their crests; 
Others are wan, yet ambitiously go, 
Vain to appear as though free from all woe; 



36 



MODERN RHYMES. 



But hard the task for soldiers who are weary, 
Feebly to tread with expressions so dreary. 
High in the distance, as barriers to will, 
Ridges and peaks, which are voiceless and still, 
Rocky and bare, are now standing in wait 
Once and forever to cripple each gait. 



THE LAMENT. 



37 



THE LAMENT. 



The barren time of Winter dull and drear 
About on earth hath laid a snowy veil ; 

And northern winds are in the atmosphere, 
That with a slow but constant pow'r assail. 



The sun is shrouded by a cloud on high ; 

A shadow's cast upon the frozen plain ; 
A quiet melancholy hovers by 

To hold the noon a vassal to its reign. 



Icicles shake and break and fall to ground, 
Appearing as they lie like gems of price ; 

Yon brook is mantled o'er, it gives no sound,- 
Its tide is rolling 'neath a sheet of ice. 



38 MODERN RHYMES. 

Where late, on either side, the hedges bore 
Among the thorns the golden-colored dower, 

Is shrivelled all, for aged Autumn hoar 

Came wrinkled forth and touched with fatal 
power. 

As down the lane with wand'ring course and 
slow 

The humble feet tread on the rugged ground 
No plants on swelling banks with beauty glow 

To spread perfume upon the breeze around. 

Yet farther on, where trees of forest rise, 
There's desolation still for eyes to trace, 

As startled from a lofty bough now flies 
A bittern to some far familiar place. 

The ebon crow perched on yon oak-tree grim, 
With ruffled feathers, must now pensive feel 

As chilly trembles go through every limb ; 
But a complaint his tongue will not reveal. 



THE LAMENT, 39 

Now hark ! a woodman wields an axe alone, 
And strangely comes the distant muffled blow; 

Then next the crashing trunk is heard to groan, 
And prostrate lies before a human foe. 



As on the pilgrim roams with mood forlorn, 
The rabbits ramble in dim paths to go; 

And through the solitude of woods are borne 
Fluttering leaves long warped and blown and 
low. 



Yet he was wont soft other scenes to view: 
What time the hums prevailed in day serene, 

When May came brightly clad to boons renew, 
To gladden Nature with a merry mien. 

He walked at early dawn, then scorning rest; 

His frequent form observed the dewy bloom. 
The bird industrious o'er its little nest, 

The vales and hills the gradual green resume. 



40 



MODERN RHYMES. 



To aid then friendship its influence gave : 
Ah, friend no more! — departed to a bourn 

Which each must go — the lonely church-yard 
grave — 
To slumber long until arise last morn. 



We were the happy tenants of the shade ; 

Oft hearken'd to the mingled murmurs both ; 
Espied the blossom in the scented glade 

Thriving at root of some majestic growth. 



As wisdom ruled the chamber of the brain, 
Gravely he talked of mankind's good and ill ; 

In future deemed would bend earth's evil reign 
Obedient to time's conquering will. 

With faithful zeal upon life's daily course 
Small duties were his labor to perform; 

To noblest thoughts that are of holy source 
His gentle spirit made the man conform. 



THE LAMENT. 



41 



When hard misfortune came with baleful train, 
Many dark periods passed, but never a tone 

Fell from his lips to utter word of pain ; 
He deemed it penance to endure alone. 



When summoned from this world, resigned to fate 
With senses calm, he yearned no more to stay; 

And, as a hero with the good deeds great, 
Chose for his chief the Lord of gentle sway. 



Farewell, true friend ! sober yet cheerful heart ! 

Desires perceive no others such as you. 
In place of what's denied, O Time ! impart 

Congenial day to better moods renew. 



Though when the Spring returns he'll not be here 
To breathe the air refreshing, pure, and mild. 

But why lament? 'Tis vain to shed a tear 
Wandering on by solemn thoughts beguiled. 



42 



MODERN RHYMES. 



Even the Winter has its pleasant view ; 

For it, like earthly life, prepares the mind 
To relish richer gifts beyond — adieu 

Sad thoughts ! and lead no more ; ye are pur- 
blind. 



THE PROMISED LAND. 43 



THE PROMISED LAND. 



What gentle realm of truth now haps are o'er ! 

Despite of weary ways we've reached this 
goal. 
Old trials, vexations, and pangs no more, 

'Tis sweet to think, will perturbate the soul. 

In day beauteous scenes far spread lure the view 
As blooming plants perfume a healthy dale; 

The couch of slumber grants, at twilight dew. 
Tranquil repose, no mournful dreams prevail. 

Heav'n seems to give content whilst breathing 
here 

From allurements — farewell, ye baneful store! 
Leaving those things impure, once idols dear, 

Was hard, but harder now to them adore. 



44 



MODERN RHYMES. 



We can with wisdom's mood behold the past : 
How little are the means of trouble, toil, 

When are indifferent eyes upon them cast, 
Knowing again they'll never us embroil ! 



The river's breadth, the sandy waste and wild, 
Great rugged crags upon the mountain high, 

Were tasks, alas ! to o'ercome as beguiled 
The fancy to this far and pleasant sky. 



The Winter's cold, as Boreas thrilled the air 
When struggling slowly on the frozen plain ; 

The Summer's fervent heat or lightning glare 
Our movements to deter prevailed in vain. 



When melancholy ruled the gloomy hour 
A faith benign sustained the spirit low ; 

Rewards foretold and some eventual pow'r, 
And urged the steps to calmly onward go. 



THE PROMISED LAND, 



45 



Yet the numbers are great in distant rear 
Who daily journey to this quiet spot; 

The thoughts, perhaps, within their minds are 
drear, 
Saying they vainly toil for what is not. 

May each one persevere through daunts around, 
Essay at length to gain his deep desire, 

And from the weight he carries be unbound 
When settled in a realm of truth entire ! 



46 MODERN RHYMES. 



THE TWO THOUGHTS. 



Two thoughts arise : asks one a sacrifice, 
A pilgrimage most weary to the feet; 

The other grants enjoyments to entice, 
Assuaging ease and golden apples sweet. 

The tempter tells of troublous doubts away 
Like little winged plagues by winds far borne. 

Arcadian raptures in luxurious day, 

Mellow slumber and dreams from eve till 
morn. 

Then longs the heart at times to throw the 
weight 

Imposed by Duty, scorn her humble mien, 
Walk in the specious paths foredoomed by Fate 

To mar all virtue with eventual teen. 



THE TWO THOUGHTS. 47 



But it, mistrusting, views the wish with fear, 
Redeems itself from distant dangers known ; 

And then resolves again to persevere, 

Encounter tasks sustained by faith alone. 

Sustained by faith that tells of meeds at last 
To cheer the spirit when life's storm is fled, — 

When rains from the dark clouds no more are 
cast 
Upon the wanderer's devoted head. 



Then go for aye, thou tempter of the brain ! 

Thou evil guest who barters for the soul ! 
Thy credit, wealth, and tales alike are vain 

To lure to what will prove a gloomy goal. 



We pledge our vow to thee, O Duty grave! 

In robe of sombre hue like hermits wear, 
Ne'er leave thy rugged road, but on to brave 

As half-clad soldiers hoping whilst they bear ; 



48 MODERN RHYMES. 

Nor think of things unmeet in false array, 
But rather them behold unstripped of powers, 

When they the forms of noxious weeds betray 
That feigned to be amiss enchanting flowers. 



A DAY-DREAM, 



49 



A DAY-DREAM. 



'Tis sweet to possess a do-nothing hour 

To muse on themes most absent from the time; 

Then let the thought, in this lone Summer bow'r 
Within the garden gay, conceive and rhyme ; 

Be borne far back to some enchanted dale 

Where wonders quaint and magic tints prevail. 

No dreary spot it is to wander in 

Where giants grim, who live in guilty state, 
Are wont to be away from worldly din 

And captives make of lonely men that late 
Get lost within the limits of their reign ; 
When seized, alack ! there evermore remain : 

But a bright spot that has a charm to thrill 
And encourage the human soul forlorn ; 
4 



50 MODERN RHYMES. 



That keeps dull-eyed Despair, against his will, 

Within a cavern's gloom to sit and scorn ; 
Wherein a Sybarite might choose to roam, 
Leaving the city's throng 'neath pleasure's dome. 

The winding paths and copse-clad slopes are 
rife. 

The rocky grottos and secluded nooks ; 
And where, in valley's bed, with busy life, 

The bee can murmur near the crystal brooks 
To cull the honey from the wild rose flower, 
As gleams the sun with calm, methodic power. 

Upon the ground are seen the pheasants rare; 

And floats about the easy butterfly; 
The humming-birds are eager in the air; 

The deer browse in a grove of oak-trees nigh, 
Where each expanded tree shows a leafy mass, 
As though striving its neighbor to surpass. 

But lo ! behold on sward a figure rough ; 
He wears upon his head a cap of green ; 



A DAY-DREAM. 



51 



About his loins a robe of leather tough ; 

The sandals brown upon his feet are seen ; 
Within his hand a bugle bright is held, 
From, with his breath, harsh notes just now are 
swelled. 

The echoes through the devious ways rebound 
Pygmean shouts. From hidden depths wee 
men 
And women odd before continued sound 

Made by the lusty blower assemble, when 
Some turn to chat; these wrestle, run with 

glee ; 
Those test their skill at nimble archery. 

Within a moving chariot comes their queen; 

Vanguards on steeds herald approach apace ; 
Behind numerous maids, enrobed in sheen, 

On small palfreys borne, praise in song her 
grace ; 
But ah ! the poet's art cannot prevail 
To vocalize their clear melodious tale. 



52 MODERN RHYMES. 



Anon they stop before a bowery throne; 

The mild-eyed queen steps forth with graceful 
air, 
And mounts its pleasant shade to sit alone, 
Whilst all the glittering train surround her 
there. 
She's come to reign and see what pleasures gay 
Amuse her subjects till tired close of day. 

O dale ! thy store of joy allures the view ; 

Pleases with temptation the hopeful mind; 
Invites, beneath a cloudless breadth of blue. 

To far-off goal which pilgrims cannot find: 
What haps befall, with Fancy arch to guide. 
If any sought thee in all the world so wide! 



THE RIVAL SINGERS. 53 



THE RIVAL SINGERS. 



A PHANTASM. 



A FAIR maiden in song ('twould wake a lyre) 
Outpoured her sweets upon the morn about 
From casement high, as Echo seemed to shout 
In accordance; and both combined a choir 
That pleased the ear, revived the inward fire. 
A single bird upon a tree without 
Was strangely charmed, his thoughts in utter 
doubt, 
For knew he was outsung; but then to like 
aspire 
Required his throat new notes to strongly 
strain 
Upon the air. Then the maiden his store 



54 



MODERN RHYMES. 



Outdid with better art. But once again 
His tongue perforced a lay to amply pour 
A reckless flight of sound. Alas, in vain ! 
His blood he burst and fell and died in pain. 



THE DREAM-GARDEN. 



55 



THE DREAM-GARDEN. 



Of some old goal, by waxen light, 
I read one eve ere Autumn blight, 
Till mental heat conveyed me where 
Were strange objects and wonders rare. 
Then next I read sonorous lines 
In Virgil's book ; beheld green vines, 
Fair trees where golden fruit was found, 
j\Ieads where crystal brooks rolled around ; 
And deemed I heard a simple swain 
Inspire a reed with rustic pain, 
Suggesting by his idle way 
A rapturous do-nothing day. 
Moved by dark hours, when low the head 
Fell down to muse upon a bed, — 
A lyre's soft buzz and far-off chants 
Soon lulled my soul to slumber's trance. 



56 MODERN RHYMES. 

Methought I roamed a garden wild 
Where day-born radiance, breezes mild, 
Numerous murmurs from the bees 
Combined with beauty thoughts to please. 
The umbrageous pathways were spread 
Round hillocks streaked with blooming red 
Tender flowers and whitest buds 
Outpoured perfumes in seenless floods. 
The cool shades beneath purple grape 
Served beds for beasts of savage shape, 
But tame they were as purring cat 
Dozing the morn on lazy mat. 
Some pygmean monkeys were seen 
Upon a banyan-tree with mien 
Disportive ; hard by nimbly swung 
A parrot with a noisy tongue. 
The white cygnet, the peacock vain, 
The ostrich gay, the flying crane. 
Divulged on high, on grass, on lake. 
Their plumes and limbs of comely make. 
I wandered on to southern side, 
With reckless motion for a guide, 



THE DREAM-GARDEN. 57 

By grove of sturdy oaks where throngs 
Of canary-birds chanted songs. 
Observed was soon a cavern near; 
Next snoring tones allured the ear ; 
As terror's charm a vigil kept 
A giant large before it slept; 
And made his clothes of leather tough, 
And gnarled his face with vigor rough. 
As I wandered still to behold 
Varied scenery beyond unrolled, 
Were heard anon a timbrel's sound, 
A madrigal and tripping bound, 
Implying sport upon the green 
In some secluded sylvan scene. 
Through copse I peered : within a glade 
Afar were maids ; beneath wide shade 
They laughed and danced as a figure odd 
(Holding a pipe and shepherd's rod) 
Above them sat on limb of tree 
To bid their steps move gracefully. 
Elated he to see each go 
Swiftly, skilfully to and fro; 



58 MODERN RHYMES. 

And to assist the mazy bound 
Inspired from pipe an unknown sound, 
So purely sweet, to thrill so prone, 
Ye might confess it a fairy tone. 
At length he ceased, to ground leapt down, 
■ With sudden motions turned to crown 
A head with verdant wreath, next ran 
Eagerly away like fabled Pan ; 
Far swelled his shouts in woods, as then 
A calm came o'er the lowly glen. 
The maids dispersed; some sought deep caves; 
Others fair forms to river waves 
Resigned, as Echo's sharpest mock 
Prolonged their words from rock to rock. 
'Twas next I heard a cock's loud crow ; 
Startled from sleep I gazed, when lo ! 
The moon's gold beam was in the room 
To color the carpet's pale bloom. 



THE THREE POETS. 



59 



THE THREE POETS. 



Three poets once sat by a spring, 
Whose waters bubbled up to sing, 
As the warm sun was in the sky 
With wealth of gleams to daze the eye ; 
Rough clouds of gray high overhead 
Were slowly roaming shades to spread ; 
Upon the air, soothingly prone, 
Was heard from bees a monotone ; 
And butterflies suggested life 
Devoid of irksome worldly strife. 

These poets three conversed awhile. 
Indolent moments to beguile ; 
And hope and life, pure love, dark death 
Were of the speech they formed with breath 
And profound thought was oft combined 
With graceful wit and fancy kind. 



6o MODERN RHYMES. 

A charm prevailed in all was said 
Like that in Nestor's words, which led, 
As Homer says, the stubborn heart 
To yield before their earnest art. 

Upon the road a soldier bold, 
Gallant and brilliant to behold, 
Journeyed, and seeing bards on bank, 
Begged for a draught, and of it drank ; 
Then talked of warfare, glory great. 
Of deeds, of pomp, and kingly state ; 
And one of them enticed away 
To go and be a warrior gay. 

Anon there came a man more slow,— 
A merchant he, — of coins which glow, 
Rare gems, nice spice on far-off trees, 
Where India breathes the odored breeze. 
He discoursed. Another was lured 
To seek where riches were secured. 
To lay up comforts for old years 
'Gainst poverty's long train of fears. 

Next came a sailor of the sea 
With awkward motions, accents free. 



THE THREE POETS. 6 1 

Who sang of merry days in life 

On the blue deep when winds were rife. 

He hailed the poet who, alone, 

Was sitting, musing, on a stone ; 

But soon together o'er the hill 

They roamed as friends at twilight still. 

The years rolled by, but now no more 
Are heard such tongues to amply pour 
The varied phrases near the spring 
Whose waters bubble up to sing. 
Yet of those men no tidings tell 
What haps to each in time befell ; 
And not a scroll upon the earth 
Recounts all traits that formed their worth. 



62 MODERN RHYMES. 



AN ALLEGORICAL DREAM. 



I DREAMED I Walked a palace hall 
Whose pillars were both strong and tall; 
Long I wander'd from side to side 
Beguiled like one in Paradise; 
Beheld the gauds of beauty mute, 
The builder's skill, the painter's fruit, 
The sculptor's statue, whose white art 
Vied not from Nature to depart; 
Listened to murmurs mildly float 
Through the high aisles from parts remote ; — 
When lo ! beside a brazen door 
Garnished with figures o'er and o'er. 
Erect and bold, scarce breath she drew, 
A matron stern allured the view. 
Who, like tragic queen on the stage, 
Essayed to muffle inward rage. 



AN ALLEGORICAL DREAM. (^^^ 

A passion wild was in her vein 
Like eagle's heart among the slain, 
As though she would ever defy 
All foes with menace in her eye. 
Her robe was of a sable shade ; 
A crown on head; a dagger blade 
Upheld one hand with firmest grip 
Like cord a sail to shiv'ring ship ; 
And oft she waved it in the air 
As bidding phantom fiend beware. 

Anon there flew a winsome dove 
(Sweet emblem it of gentle love) 
Through an arched window opened wide, 
Its feathers with faint purple dyed. 
About it roamed with happy mien 
As here and far 'twas often seen ; 
And then, a strength fatigued to rest, 
It settled on the matron's breast, 
When lo ! from grasp the dagger steel 
Fell to the floor to ring and reel ; 
Then spread like magic on her face 
Emotions such as charm and grace; 



64 MODERN RHYMES. 

The arm no more expressed a will 
To deal a blow — peacefully still 
It was. Soon she glided away- 
Light in spirit as a lamb in May, 
Caressing with many a word 
The innocent and timid bird. 
Unheard was then the murmurs low ; 
I wondered why, and turned to go, 
When the dream-fancies of repose 
Suddenly came to a wakeful close. 



THE FLUTE, 



65 



THE FLUTE. 



As solemn darkness settles down 
Upon the quiet village town, 
The ticking clock against the wall 
Breaks silence in the cottage hall, 
But not a* word is heard to greet. 
But not a clatter in the street, 
But not an echo in the drear 
To startle once the atmosphere. 
Hard by the window where the vine 
Spreads odors from the blossoms fine, 
I idly sit and muse alone 
And list from far the flute's low tone. 
What anxious wight its form inspires? 
And is he sad with vexed desires 
Thus to the hour a mood make known 
With a slow-born and tender tone? 
5 



(^e MODERN RHYMES. 

Perhaps he plays to Daphne dear 

Across the cornfield's bearded sphere, 

Waiting like Juliet all forlorn 

To see kind Romeo ere the morn. 

The sounds seem to give sigh for sigh 

That Summer breathes through oak-trees nigh ; 

Purifies the spirit with a sense 

That music only makes intense. 

Calm bliss it were fore'er remain 

With pure emotions now that reign ; 

A king might yearn for such a state, 

And bid world-grief be doomed by Fate. 

Alack ! they must attain an end, 

Themselves with Time's wide distance blend ; 

Be only known as joys far flown, 

Fond records of an evening lone. 

But yon sweet flute, with Love's delay. 

Pour forth thy note, if not for aye. 

Until tired thoughts with slumber wed 

And dream upon a soothing bed ; 

Peace may continue in the night 

And bring dream-music to delight. 



DOR us. 



67 



D O R U S. 



There is a maiden lovely to the view, 
With winsome ways and eyes of spying blue, 
Called Dorus (after a mourned-for mother dead), 
Whose cheeks are oft with modest blushes 

spread ; 
Withal her meekness beauty makes her known 
Like some conspicuous star at night alone. 
To see her rural charms gay suitors came 
From distant parts, confessed the secret flame; 
But to their pained hearts eager to employ 
Soft melting tones she was a little coy, 
Often denied access, retired to bower. 
There mused and wished, yet dared not tell a 

flower 
What swain inspired the strange, acute unquiet. 
Startled her pulse to leap in soul-like riot. 



68 MODERN RHYMES. 

So odd is Love that scarce its breast will tell 
What new-born joy is coming there to dwell. 
I deem to know which adorer she loves, — 
'Tis me! Ah, joy delicate as a dove's! 
Although of it not certain is my mind. 
Yet feigned conviction serves beguilement kind 
Whilst roving this grove of melodious ease 
To ponder in the shade and gentle breeze. 
For Dorus dear I long with .earnest heart; 
I'll try to woo her with nice Cupid's art 
From rivals proud, — try that ideal to be 
Which mildly forms within her revery. 
When mine I'll take her to some happy seat, 
Of which the poets write in cantos sweet, 
That's found away from cold North's dreary 

sphere 
In Southern climes where temp'rate months 

appear. 
At morn we'll hail the fruitful vineyard bright, 
The dew-bathed orange swinging in the light. 
The shady palm, the aloe of the dale. 
The fragrant myrtle and mimosa frail ; 



DOR us. 



69 



In calm accord with bliss gracing the day 
Roam here and there to observe beauty gay ; 
List the simple shepherd begin to sing, 
List the winding valleys their echoes ring. 
Then we shall have noons sequestered, tranquil, 
Reading in books romances at our will 
Of barons bold and ladies of degree 
Who lived in castles great with dignity. 
At eve we'll sit in a solitary bower, 
Hear the brief ditties of a mellow power. 
The tinkling instruments of minstrels nigh 
Wand'ring to soothe beneath a star-lit sky. 
What joys, which yearners long to last for aye, 
Could they be ours to charm our married way! 
But ah ! Dorus may not be mine to bless ; 
Some swain may woo her heart and cause dis- 
tress. 
Leave me an object of Love's scorn to rove 
And lament to the trees within this grove, 
Like a lonesome bird without a mate to care 
Whether or not he labors with despair. 



70 



MODERN RHYMES. 



A VAGARY. 



The pats of rain, so softly light, 

Are heard on roof of house to-night; 

They seem to be of spirit kin, 

And lull my thoughts to peace within. 



The groves at morn and fields at eve 
They bid me rove health to retrieve; 
But woman's love is better far 
Than whistling bird or golden star. 



Though Love will go to mossy dells; 
He has his freaks and transient spells: 
The sun more bright, the sky more blue, 
Another sphere he seems to view. 



A VAGARY. 

The cygnet's grace upon the flood, 
The beauty native in the bud, 
A form that's shaped without a flaw 
Are hers by mystic maiden law. 



Rare colors the fresh bouquet twines 
With odors sweet and verdant vines; 
Rare virtues that make pure the heart 
Ennoble her with lack of art. 



The cottage window's little gleam 
Spreads twilight rays across the stream; 
And all about seemed holy air, 
For nothing fatal hover'd there. 



'Twas her abode hard by we met 
Upon the plain where dews were set, 
As the keen moon with golden arms 
Enwrapped her form with added charms. 



7^ 



72 



MODERN RHYMES. 

But sound the clangs, — within the hall 
The clock knocks ten with brazen ball ; 
And all is still within the rooms 
As all is still within the tombs. 



Now Sleep come near to bring me dreams; 
My couch is soft; and Darkness seems 
Beside to droop as pats are light 
Of rain on roof of house to-night. 



MAUD. 



73 



MAUD. 



The moon shines on the bedroom floor, 

The clock ticks in the hall, 
A shadow that's against the door 

Seems a dreary midnight pall. 



Upon the bed, both white and meek. 
She seems a breather low; 

But ah ! the cold upon her cheeks 
Forbids to think it so. 



No passion now in mortal vein 
The pain of life is o'er; 

The spirit to a dread domain 
Has gone for evermore. 



74 



MODERN RHYMES. 

O Maud ! how canst thou slumber there ? 

Thy lover's at thy feet; 
Thou wert not 'customed to forbear 

With glance his glance to meet. 



But yet he cannot, cannot deem 
Thee otherwhere for aye; 

To conquer sorrow is to seem 
Thee back some future day. 



THE QUERY. 75 



THE QUERY. 



Now come, my love, this early hour, 

Let us from cottage sally, 
Go down the path and pluck the flow'r 

With odored-sprinkled face; 

And then with easy pace 
Wander to leafy willow of the valley. 

We'll stray through mead with dews ablaze. 

And as the lambkins dally 
Upon the slope with winsome ways. 

We'll talk of days serene, 

And then of Cupid keen; 
Yet seek the leafy willow of the valley. 

Beneath the shade we'll sit and see 
The brook go clearly gliding, 



76 MODERN RHYMES. 

As buds the banks o'erbend to be 

Reflected in the tide, 

As bees with busy pride 
Seek the honey in their sweet depths abiding. 

We'll watch wee fishes in their sphere, 

Enrobed in sparkles neatly, 
Go here and there, conceiving fear 

As some bold danger nigh 

Swims with an eager eye 
In search of dainty diet tasting sweetly. 

Wilt be a fish, my love? I'll be 

A net ; from foes that frighten 
With cordage strong e'er surround thee ; 

And in our lifely stream 

We'll float in peaceful dream 
To sea of age where golden stars enlighten. 



THE TRA VELLING FOX. yy 



THE TRAVELLING FOX. 



A TALE. 



In bygone times (unknown the date exact) 
There lived a fox upon a fertile tract 
In parts remote. Abundance gratified 
Hunger, and fearful snares were unespied. 
Now this young fox, that was safe from alarm, 
Desired, alack ! to go afar to view 
Lowest-born vice and better manners new. 
Although the world was blemished with disgrace, 
Yet was distinguished for virtues of his race; 
All the appliances of wiles to yield 
Renown upon life's emulative field. 
And many things besides to tempt the mind 
Ambitious to excel were easy there to find. 



78 MODERN RHYMES. 

Now this vain fox, with experience of life 
Meagre, was bid remain at home when rife 
Were entreaties to gain his sire's consent 
To roam afar, though good was his intent : 
To make new wit appear more bright than old ; 
To change all awkward ways from brass to 

gold ; 
In short, to make himself a perfect man 
Before rivals, — a gallant gentleman! 
But such folly displeased his father poor, 
Who had known what things arose to allure 
The youths to evil pits when he was young; 
And who discoursed of them with mild forbear- 
ing tongue. 

Vexed at advice, the son resolved in spite 
Of opposition to assume the right 
Of departing from natal home away. 
One Summer night, after tedious delay. 
He stole from 'neath the sheltering roof alone 
With quiet tread as swelled the snoring tone 
From those in slumber low. Upon the plain 
Was seen the moon above with stellar train ; 



THE TRAVELLING FOX. 



79 



But to the pale crescent or to starlight 
He no attention paid. With a keen sight 
He pursued a devious path, nor sought a rest 
In nook sequestered for laboring breast. 
Indeed, how saving he was then of time ! 
Exultation arose to think was prime 
His body's health as now the world before 
Allured. Soon various visions came to store 
His mind with hopeful thoughts ; they promised 

things 
In future days from which enjoyment springs. 
He reached a deep mysterious woods where 

trees 
Were thickly set ; and where the voiceless breeze 
Failed to turn the limb's leaf, — it was so still 
'Twould bear a whisper recesses to thrill. 
Soon he lost his way. Thorns beset about 
As fruitlessly he searched to get without 
The lonesome limits wide. Anon a roar 
Was heard ; from lion stern it came that bore 
Upon the path to thicket where he lay. 
Alas ! knew not this frightened fox which way 



8o MODERN RHYMES. 

To turn for safety as perplexed he saw- 
Devouring danger boldly nearer draw ; 
But all his strength within, as trembles spread, 
He summoned up and made a leap and fled, 
As followed in the rear the object of his dread. 
Through dark solitudes the fox scud with will. 
Attained a plain, strived to attain a hill 
From whose deep sides were delved gray quarry- 
rocks, 
Chiselled and trimmed into large building-blocks: 
He quickly glanced among high piles to find 
A secret nook, but failed, left them behind, 
And sought, with force fatigued and panting 

breath, 
A furnace far with door of narrow breadth, 
Where fires within were kindled to make lime 
By neighboring peasants from time to time ; 
But as it chanced when gained, good luck for 

him. 
There were no flames to burn the woody limb. 
Secure he was from midnight beastly wrath 
That raved for prey upon the winding path. 



THE TRAVELLING FOX. 8 1 

The lion soon came up and saw through door 
The safety of the fox, observed him o'er 
Awhile, and snuffed the air as though to say, 
" Escaped, have you ?" then growled and went 

away. 
Now fled the time till sparkling hours of morn 
Came softly on the landscape to adorn ; 
Then Reynard peered to find if way was clear 
Of dangers all, with eyes of timid fear. 
The glorious sky had its vast blue unrolled, 
The dew on grass 'was brilliant to behold, 
The gentle birds upon the trees sang praise 
To Goodness great who reigns unseen always. 
Anon, afar, some peasant men he viewed, 
Who slowly walked and joked with manners 

rude ; 
Shovels were in their hands ; a cart and horse 
Behind them were, with boy to guide their 

course; 
And before all rollicked about two dogs. 
Which leapt up high, then rolled on ground like 

logs. 



82 MODERN RHYMES. 

Reynard's heart beat most quickly in his breast; 

Numerous troubles began to invest. 

He moved from mouth of door to darkest 

part 
Of the furnace. Rumbles of the slow cart 
Were heard to mingle with the gibes of 

men. 
He strongly hoped they'd pass his hiding den 
And dreadful dogs not know a foeman there. 
Nearer they moved ! Poor Reynard would not 

dare 
Stir just then, or across the plain to flee; 
This act unwise might very fatal be. 
Approached all slowly, noisily more near; 
Most every nerve seemed list'ning in his ear! 
Such sense was in his anxious mind to thrill 
As half deprived him of surmising will. 
They stopped before the door; next the dull 

sound 
Of falling tools and wood from cart on ground 
Was heard ; a master voice what things to do 
Ordered, as feet about the furnace drew. 



THE TRAVELLING FOX. 



83 



Soon gnarled branches of wood were thrust 

through door. 
They meant to build a fire ! To ponder more 
Was vain ! Resolved he was without delay 
To up and leap and wildly dash away ; 
With a strong active spring through door he 

went, 
By startled men his onward motion bent, 
Who soon threw stones to stun his eager flight, 
Which failed to serve aright each thrower's 

sleight. 
The dogs deigned the meanderings to trace, 
But cunning skill defied their baying chase. 
Reynard attained in time a thicket drear, 
Where shadows screened from view. Here he, 

as near 
A crystal brook flowed by with a silvery tune, 
Calmly reposed until the hour of noon; 
Then he softly crept from lurking-place to go 
Upon his journey, still resolved, though low 
His spirits were, onward to travel far. 
For wilful he when dangers did debar. 



84 MODERN RHYMES. 

Now just it is to praise this fox so young 
For great courage with words from truthful 

tongue. 
A weaker heart would have returned in shame 
To home ; recounted to friend, with nervous 

frame, 
Of daunts which him opposed upon the way; 
And for forgiv^eness to parents he'd pray. 
Not so for him! — return and hear the jeers? 
Oh, no ! he'd wander on a score of years 
Amid life's perils all, afar from home, 
Before he'd steal to friends from harm afraid to 
roam ! 

The lack of food he felt as on he went ; 
Upon the soil he failed to find a scent 
Which promised game, although he saw before 
A rabbit swift that soon was seen no more. 

Up hill and down, and through a valley green, 
Over a brook where fallen tree was seen 
Above the tide, that served from bank to bank 

a bridge, 
Up the high mountain to the crumbling ridge, 



THE TRAVELLING FOX. 



85 



Next down through woods and on the public road, 
With feehngs in his mind which ill forebode, 
He took his lonely, weary route, nor beast 
He saw, till twilight dull was in the East. 

Full tired, he jogged along with moistened 

tongue 
Extending from his mouth as breathed his lung 
So hard, for great was now the evening heat 
Upon the road where traced his dusty feet. 
Hard by, on either side, tall trees uprose 
With branches dark ; and then succeeded those 
The rough ascents, whose rocks were pierced 

with caves ; 
Such where Melancholy the time enslaves 
With dismal pow'rs, and where the bat and owl 
Are wont to live, and where the jackals prowl. 
But mystery which seemed to reign within 
This sombre place, did not repel, but win 
His steps with prudent motion slow, to gain. 
As urged his need, a morsel for his pain. 
Just then he heard a noise as from despair, 
And thought some timid thing in cave was there, 



86 MODERN RHYMES. 

Too far it was beyond in dark to tell 

What beastly form was 'customed there to 

dwell. 
Again he list awhile ; more loud the sigh 
Was borne upon the air. He went to pry 
With ears erect. A meal to eat was near! 
He stretched to see if aught it was to fear, 
Yet windings hid from view. Ah, felt he sure 
Of food ! no hunger longer he'd endure, 
But go within, and there his stomach feed 
With tender bits so nice and much as he did need. 
He hadn't proceeded far with cautious air 
And wily eye, when lo ! around to dare 
With looks a band of youthful wild-cats stood, 
Their actions strange which meant for him no 

good. 
Ah! vexed he was to think with art they'd 

caught 
A fox whose tricks were better than they 

taught. 
Superior sense inspired his breast amain 
With noble pluck; he felt for them disdain; 



THE TRAVELLING FOX. 



87 



Plebeians he considered them beneath, 
And soon to flight he'd put them with his 
teeth.. 
The wrathful onset soon commenced ; around, 
At every point, they sieged on vantage-ground, 
And on the single fox in fury fell 
With snarls and sounds which nothing there 

could quell. 
In his rough flanks they buried deep the fangs, 
Which made sore wounds to cause the after- 
pangs ; 
But still with courage true he held the field, 
Nor ever thought nor ever tried to yield ; 
And some of them compelled to hie from sight 
As sudden cries bespoke their painful plight. 
In time the wild-cats fierce, with waning strength, 
Suspended blows to tire him down at length ; 
And they secure at distance viewed him o'er, 
Re-licked their limbs where trickling was the 

gore. 
Now it became the fox to make attack. 
Or else a prisoner stay. They forced him back 



88 MODERN RHYMES. 

When saw the foe he made attempts to leave 
The winding cave, and step by step retrieve 
Liberty ; yet tliis act but angered him 
Indeed, the more, and quiver'd every h'mb 
As at antagonists he rushed in hate, 
Resolved to wrest from them the purposed fate 
They had in store for him, — a sudden death, 
With not a friend near by as fled his vanquished 

breath. 
Then dreadful confusion prevailed awhile : 
The scuffling feet and snarling tongues, the pile 
Of wounded venting loud the frequent howl, 
As screeched above the scene the doleful owl ; 
Scudded gray rats from nooks with eyes of 

fear, 
And ran about to wildly disappear. 
Alas ! Echo afar, within her aerial sphere. 
If she an effort made, could not have mocked 
The mingled tones of woe that swelled and 

shocked : 
Nor meet it is for pen to here recite 
What all befell the sanguine hour. The might 



THE TRAVELLING FOX. 89 

Prevailed at last, because a courage true 
Inspired until a conquest was in view. 
It is a mark of a craven heart to quail 
Before the petty things which it assail. 
Alack ! 'tis so, — much freedom's gained in life 
By hearts engaged to test themselves in strife. 

Beneath the moon the victor fox now went; 
His limbs were sore and stained, his strength 

was spent. 
He longed for rest, soon found a refuge lone 
To lay him down to sleep ; there with a moan 
Long thought, alas ! of home and quiet bed 
Where he was wont to lie with weary head ; 
And in his fancy saw a mother dear 
Who came to soothe his pain when he was sick 
and drear. 

When morning came to mantle with her light, 
Awoke each beast and fowl from gloom of night. 
The fox arose to startle in the way 
A hare, which food supplied without delay. 
What vigor filled his body! Humble food 
How rich, inspiring thou, however rude, 



90 



MODERN RHYMES. 



When hunger wanes the bosom's strength ! O 

fox! 
Thy joy was great as gormandized thy chops. 
Often didst thou muse o'er, in future days, 
That lucky meal which helped thy hope to 

raise. 
Without adventure worthy here to write 
The fox roamed on for days ; now sad, now light, 
His spirits were. The various scenes beheld 
Beguiled ofttimes and anxiety dispelled. 
One noontide he observed, with gladsome eye, 
A cultured valley wide, when corn and rye, 
Tall wheat and clover red were tilled on soil 
By yeomen strong inured to daily toil ; 
In fields innocent sheep with tinkling bells 
About their necks ; upon green hilly swells 
Lowing cows ; farther off the lofty height 
Of a barn, as then he heard with quick delight 
The crow of cock. Transport was in his breast! 
It was the place for him to live at rest 
And life enjoy! Just then came up to him 
Another fox, and graceful was his limb. 



THE TRAVELLING FOX, 9] 



** Ah, brother dear," said he, " where speedest 

thou?" 
To this query he answered, with a bow, — 
An awkward bow, — he roved the world to see, 
Its manners note, rare knowledge learn, to be 
A polished gentleman. Then the twain fell 
Into a long conversation to tell 
Of this and that, at end of which they went 
Within a woods where leafy bushes bent 
About the entrance to a hidden cell, 
Where beasts more large in comfort warm might 

dwell. 
Numerous things for appetite around 
Within were strown like those that oft abound 
In rich men's larders. Beds, of feathers brown, 
And meet for head that's mantled with a 

crown, 
Were spread upon the ground, where, every 

hour, 
Slumber allured. Low, in a drowsy pow'r, 
With lazy eyelids, lay the forms most sleek 
Of foxes five. Ah! simple truth to speak. 



92 MODERN RHYMES. 



They were fat rogues. They on the stranger 

cast 
Uncivil looks, but welcomed him at last 
When he of grace who brought the trav'ller 

there 
Had winked, unseen by him, with jaunty air; 
For they designed to make of him a dupe. 
Ah, where the manners proud that will not 

stoop 
From dignity to let a servant in 
Who comes to pander to a selfish sin ? 

In a week the stranger fox was more at ease; 
They all grew kind about and deigned to please. 
His lot was novel; it ne'er knew such time! 
What fellows these, and just within their prime! 
What tales were told ! What midnight liberty ! 
All snares of men were known to them ; and 

free 
Themselves they could, if caught in same, so 

well. 
They dwelt in a merry world and nothing ill 

befell. 



THE TRAVELLING FOX. 93 

Pillage was their labor with full content 
At night whilst stars illumination lent. 
Their wary ken and scent they nicely plied, 
Which evil traps and cruel dogs defied. 
Though the stranger fox was consigned to woe 
When he was rudely forced to come and go 
At superior command, or oft to do 
An act of theft as his masters to view 
Were near, secure for flight; yet choler sped 
When he and they around the feast were 

spread. 
Yet bliss is like a crystal river swift, — 
More speed more soon to taint with mud its 

drift ; 
It flows and from itself a brightness sends, 
Then, ah! in time, with darkness deep it blends. 

One cloudy day appeared within the cave 
A fox from foreign parts. His mien was grave; 
His age was old; limped a lame foot, an eye 
Was blind, but he saw keenly objects nigh 
With the other one. He remarked alone 
He came, to all of the company unknown, 



94 



MODERN RHYMES. 



Yet pardon begged, not meaning to intrude. 

He wished to favor them, and to allude 

To circumstances of great import indeed, 

As he had heard of news demanding heed. 

He continued: I was hid in a brier 

Hard by some men in a field, who worked for 

hire; 
I heard them say it was their purpose soon — 
Perhaps to-morrow was the day, at noon — 
To dig into this cell, its inmates kill, 
And then again with rocks the opening fill ; 
For farmers could no more withstand the pest 
Which roamed the land when they were gone 

to rest. 
The rogues received this news with deep dis- 
may ; 
Frail fear was in their glances to betray 
The workings of their minds. Sweet mirth to 

gloom 
Was turned, so late in wide beautiful bloom ! 
With numerous anxieties oppressed, 
Regrets arose that they must leave a nest 



THE TRAVELLING FOX. 95 

Which was so snug, in exile thence to roam, 
Denied, perhaps, the pleasures of a home. 
As each made haste to forsake the abode, 
Dull night was near, great clouds were high, 

the road 
Was dark. The stranger urged them forth ; 

and told, 
With mild, deluding tongue, where from the 

cold 
And wet of storm portending in the sky 
They could a shelter find both safe and dry. 
Behind far trees they soon were gone from 

sight ; 
Then the old cunning fox in great delight 
Glisten'd his single eye, for pleased his heart 
To see the foolish dupes away depart, 
And leave him master of the ground about. 
O craft supreme with none ill words to doubt ! 
Anon he trotted off in easy style, 
Retired beyond a hill more than a mile, 
Returned again, and with him had a crowd 
Of jolly foxes prime with aptest arts endowed. 



96 MODERN RHYMES. 

Then of the cell the knaves possession took 
With sly gratification in each look. 

As sped the fugitives on devious ways 
With anxious hearts, on high began to blaze 
Swift lightning; sounds of thunder rolled along 
The moving clouds ; broke leafy branches strong 
As winds arose beneath the rumbling sky ; 
Trembled the earth, or seemed to tremble, nigh ; 
Thick darkness nestled on the ground ; no form 
Could be perceived as burst the fatal storm, 
And on their heads came down the rain and 

hail ; 
And terror filled their breasts and caused them 

low to quail 
They scattered were, strayed like lost sheep about, 
Nor knew what objects near. Some sought in 

doubt 
To find the cell ; others to it returned 
With frightened thoughts, but to be harshly 

spurned 
Away by usurpers within. No grJice 
Had they to counteract their knavery base ; 



THE TRAVELLING FOX. gy 

Nor sympathy for dupes so full of pain, 
Standing benumbed in fury of the rain. 
Then these deceived foxes, alas too late ! 
Learned they were decoyed by a tale — a bait — 
To lure them from the comforts of their life; 
And all was lost without defensive strife. 

When daylight early came the clouds on 
high 
Dispersed, opened to view an azure sky ; 
Then sparkled keenly on abounding green 
Myriads of rain-drops to adorn the scene. 
But whither went the trav'lling fox? — to share 
What fate ? He was alone, not knowing where 
Comrades had gone. Pitiful sight! Forlorn 
His eye ; his hair had been by brambles torn ; 
Each flank by mud was stained. Conscious dis- 
grace 
Expressed the settled feature of his face. 
Upon a hill he stood. No covert nigh 
To rest and hide whilst on the day moved by ! 
With observation new he saw the East: 
There was a busy town; which, for poor beast 

7 



98 



MODERN RHYMES. 



Like him, no mercy knew. To West he gazed : 
A river rolled whose tide was roughly raised ; 
To brave its force — ah, fatal stream! — he'd 

drown, 
Nothing near would prevent expiring bound. 
To South, within a field were grazing sheep; 
Hard by a shepherd boy did vigil keep, 
Who whistled easy tunes, devoid of care; 
But to go by the flock, with stealthy air, 
Would danger lure, for dogs were often near. 
Although they were not seen yet eager was his 

fear. 
To distant North a level scenery spread 
Like prairie vast; no lofty tree-tops shed 
Refreshing shadows to allure soft ease, 
But greenest grass was ruffled by the breeze 
Around a tented camp with guns aglow ; 
Where stalked erectly soldiers to and fro. 
As bold as Mars when ready for the blow. 
On objects all about now Phoebus shone 
With tender gleams, and distant things were 
known ; 



THE TRAVELLING FOX. 99 

Yea, the rare hues on varied land and sky 
Could be discerned, though far, by searching 

eye. 
This cautious fox opined a venture ill 
At such a time to seek, off from the hill, 
A safer place. Indeed, he would not go ! 
Conceived that wisdom wins with patience slow. 
Ah, patient would he be, and lurk till night, 
And hence would steal in gloom with careful 
sight! 
Low lay the fox in musing mood on ground ; 
The grass and plantain weeds arose around 
And partly hid his form ; beside him flew 
The butterfly and bee, which stopped and drew 
Sweet honey from the tops of clover red, 
That here and there in patches small was spread. 
'Twas then his mind a train of hopes conceived. 
Which entertained him long. Oh, he believed 
They all to pass would come in future days. 
Assist himself above the rest to raise ! 
Experience had commenced to make him large; 
Far views of life were his; and to discharge 



100 MODERN RHYMES. 

His former self as one who was unwise 

From mem'ry's praise he would, although with 

sighs. 
In truth, what bits of facts he had acquired ! 
The various traps the various tricks required; 
He knew them all by heart, — every device 
Of man to seize he'd foil it in a trice. 
He thought awhile of sire, of mother rare 
At home afar ; and of domestic fare, 
Which was not suited to a palate keen 
That had enjoyed good food as yet to them unseen ; 
But he, perhaps, would be above their state. 
Then they might hear with gladness of his fate. 
Anon employed his mind, away to get, 
A stratagem ; a plan at once he set, — 
Between the camp and tide soft steps he'd ply 
At night whilst men are wont in sleep'^to lie. 

How Hope contrives a route to miss the bar 
Where Fate presides and seeming dangers are ! 
But yet the very path we think is right 
Oft haps to be the one for our despite. 
It is an easy thing results to see 



THE TRAVELLING FOX. loi 

Before they're formed in time's futurity; 
They always please like colors of the air, 
Which nearer viewed the less of them are there; 
And then, again, what fancies of the mind 
The longer sought the less of them we find ! 

At twilight time down sank the orb of day. 
Then mantled o'er were fields with sober gray ; 
And, after many weary waiting hours, 
The fox thought free to creep by herbs and 

flow'rs. 
Onward to pass the tents. The river rolled 
Upon the jagged rocks with dashes bold; 
He feared its force, but was obliged to go 
Upon the bank beneath chance shadows low, 
Security to seek in distant parts. 
He neared the camp and stopped with nervous 

starts. 
Beneath the kettles black were smould'ring fires. 
Whose smoke sailed up as high as steeple 

spires ; 
As the pale moon above shone down to gleam 
A cannon large was glancing like a stream; 



102 • MODERN RHYMES. 

There walked the guards about in pomp and 

pride, 
Each silent as a ghost. Oft flapped aside 
The canvas loose of tents as stirred the breeze ; 
Within, 'neath candle glares, in reckless ease, 
Were forms at dice and cards ; in others slept 
Soldiers on straws and blankets on them kept. 
The fox prowled onward ; eager was his ear 
For all the hazards strange that might appear. 
Suspense was great, when lo ! upon his track 
Before him marched a squad. He must steal 

back. 
And turned. Another squad ! Between the 

two 
He was as they approached. What must he 

do? 
Hard by the path a chest with open lid 
He spied, and leaped at once within and hid 
By crouching low. Ah ! grateful was his mind 
To think a screening-place was near to find ! 
He heard afar the marching sound of men, 
Desired to rise and watch them with his ken ; 



THE TRAVELLING FOX. 103 



But dare not then, for they might see through 

gloom 
And quickly come with vengeance for a doom. 
But on they moved, now near ! and nearer yet ! 
He slyly peeped above ; his sight was set 
Upon two faces gazing down on him. 
Then swelled loud laughs and fell to quake his 

limb 
The oaken lid. In dark he was alone; 
Oh, lost fore'er ! and plaintive was his tone. 
He scratched and gnawed and fled around in 

fright, 
But ah ! availed they not against ensnaring 

might. 
Alas, poor fox ! what woes are in thy breast 
As low thou liest now in languid rest 
With pensive eye ! Is this the better fate 
That was to come to elevate thy state ? 
A cage they made ; it holds thee all day long, 
And then all night thy sorrows to prolong. 
With bayonets men come at times to prick 
Thy tender sides, or with a limber stick 



104 MODERN RHYMES. 

Annoy as near they stand to gaze and taunt, 

Whilst timid fear is in thy mind to haunt. 

Oh, pity might prevail to let thee go, 

Or else prevail to not abuse thee so ! 

But 'tis most like thou wilt no more be free, 

And death at length must end thy misery. 



THE END. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

015 785 382 A 




